Tania Marie Barber, Cindy Stovall, Henry Twiggs, Benjamin Swan and Janice Watson all received the awards for their outstanding contributions to the community.

President of Stone Soul Festival, Joyce Davis, told 22News, “In that same vain. Give recognition to people who work effortlessly in the community for the enrichment and up-keeping of the community.”

Every year, the Stone Soul committee organizes the Stone Soul Festival, with lots of entertainment for the community.

Working in partnership with the Stone Soul committee was the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.

They featured the music of the legendary Louie Armstrong performed by master trumpeter, Byron Stripling. Stripling has played Armstrong on Broadway and dazzled the crowd with his music, and stories about what it’s meant to his life.

James Guess told 22News, “We’re so happy to come here and see some Louisiana music. First class thing we’ve been to. It’s awesome. Worth driving through the snow and everything.”

“Louie Armstrong is arguably one of the greatest American musicians of the 20th century and it’s wonderful that the Springfield symphony has the opportunity to perform this tribute to him,” said Martin Levson, a musician.

Stripling’s music brought a taste of New Orleans to western Massachusetts.

The Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s next performances include Brahms and Beethoven and then Bond and Beyond.